Who this is for: This programme funds organisations in British Columbia (BC), Canada to hire a student from one of four BC universities: UBC, Simon Fraser University (SFU), the University of Victoria (UVic) or the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). It isn’t open to students or organisations in Africa. It’s relevant to African students already studying at these universities, including Mastercard Foundation Scholars at UBC, and to African-led organisations based in BC.
The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) is offering up to CA$15,000 to organisations in BC to hire a university student as a climate intern in summer 2027. In 2026 the programme funded 30 organisations. Organisations must apply by 20 November 2026 at 4 pm (Pacific time). Students apply later, for internship roles posted between February and April 2027.
Programme at a Glance
- Organiser: Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS), sponsored by Coast Capital
- Funding: Up to CA$15,000 per organisation, towards the intern’s pay
- Who applies now: Organisations based in British Columbia
- Who the interns are: Students at UBC, SFU, UVic or UNBC
- Internship period: Late May to late August 2027
- Organisation deadline: 20 November 2026, 4 pm Pacific time
- Funding decisions: Mid-December 2026
- Student internship postings: February–April 2027, on the PICS careers page
Benefits
For organisations:
- Up to CA$15,000 towards a student intern’s salary and employment costs
- Help delivering a climate action project
- Guidance on recruiting and hiring a student
- Membership of a cohort of host organisations, for sharing and learning
For students:
- A paid summer climate job in British Columbia
- Real work experience in climate research, policy, community engagement or data analysis
- A launch workshop and a cohort of fellow PICS interns
- A strong CV boost for careers in climate and sustainability
Eligibility
Organisations that can apply (must be in BC):
- Registered non-profits and NGOs
- First Nations and Indigenous organisations
- Provincial government agencies and Crown corporations
- Local governments
- Cooperatives and social enterprises
- Private companies
Students who can be hired:
- Students at one of the four PICS universities: UBC, SFU, UVic or UNBC
- Usually studying in a climate-related field
- Must be legally able to work in Canada. International students should check their study permit’s work conditions.
What Interns Might Do
- Review research, resources and policies
- Support meetings, events and community engagement
- Collect and analyse field or desk data
- Develop guidance and information resources
- Draft reports, plans, recommendations and presentations
How Projects Are Scored
- Direct climate value to BC communities or sectors (1–5 points)
- Clear purpose, approach and outputs (1–5 points)
- Potential for wider impact through sharing knowledge (1–5 points)
- Clearly defined student role (pass or fail)
- Rooted in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) principles and reconciliation (1–5 points)
Funding covers intern salaries and employment costs only. It doesn’t cover overheads or equipment such as computers.
Tips
For organisations:
- Design a focused, practical project a student can complete in one summer.
- Spell out the student’s role and what they’ll learn.
- Plan how you’ll share results so other communities can benefit.
For African students at PICS universities:
- Watch the PICS careers page from February 2027, when internship roles are posted.
- Check your work permission. Confirm with your university’s international student office that your study permit lets you work full-time in the summer.
- Highlight global perspectives. Experience of climate impacts and community work in Africa can be a real strength.
- Reach out to BC organisations now. If you know a non-profit or company that would host you, encourage them to apply by 20 November.
How to Apply
- Organisations: complete the application form on the PICS Climate Internship Program page by 4 pm on 20 November 2026.
- Students: look for internship postings on the PICS careers page between February and April 2027. Interns must be hired by 30 April 2027.
For questions, email [email protected].
Read the PICS Climate Internship Program details and apply
